Well, we hosted a terrific event on Wednesday: Is it time to turn the page on federal accountability in education? If you missed it, you can view the video here:
Our panelists debated ESEA reauthorization and what the proper federal role should be in holding schools accountable. Checker Finn moderated our excellent panel, which was comprised of: Cynthia G. Brown from the Center for American Progress, Jennifer Marshall from the Heritage Foundation, Daniel A. Domenech from the American Association of School Administrators, and Fordham's own Mike Petrilli.
Below you'll see a few photos and highlights of what was said (paraphrased), and links to the individual videos of each. Also, you can check out Fordham's ESEA Briefing Book as well as CAP's recent proposal on ESEA.
Brown: True that NCLB got lots wrong. But doesn't mean we should throw NCLB-baby out with the bath water. ?NCLB also got many things right: Student data and accountability, for example. ?
Video of Cindy Brown's opening remarks.
Marshall:? Yes, time to turn the page on federal role in education?.Need to ask accountability to whom and for what? We have compliance regime, not accountability now. ...?Feds should leave ed up to states.
Video of Jennifer Marshall's opening remarks.
Domenech: With NCLB, for 1st time we were going to begin process of disagregating data. ...very good.? ? that has to remain. ...But then AYP became too harsh: no longer about student achievement.
Video of Dan Domenech's opening remarks.
Petrilli: Uncle Sam is 3 steps removed from classrooms. He can't ensure excellence. ? Ref realism: yes, Wash should promote ed ref, but realistic about what it can do well? I propose: transparency, transparency, & transparency.
Video of Mike Petrilli's opening remarks.